Tasting Notes

• Colour – Pale straw with green hues.
• Aroma – White nectarine, peach and grapefruit, complemented by smoky gun flint and savoury almond meal.
• Palate – Juicy yellow nectarine, pink grapefruit and lime, with a hint of praline. Saline, mineral acidity gives it drive, finesse and a mouth-watering finish.

Food Pairings

• Pork in any form – roast, chargrilled or pulled.

• Grilled scallops or prawns.

• Creamy polenta with mushrooms.

• Soft cheeses like Brie or triple cream.

Reviews & Awards

2023 vintage:

• 95 Points – Jane Faulkner, Halliday Wine Companion (Aug 2024)

• 95 Points – Huon Hooke, The Real Review (May 2024)

• Gold Medal – Royal Melbourne Wine Awards 2024

• Gold Medal – Margaret River Wine Show 2024

• Gold Medal – Perth Royal Wine Awards 2024

• Gold Medal – Royal Queensland Wine Show 2024

Winemaking & Natural Practices

• Clone – 100% Gin Gin Chardonnay

• Fermentation – Wild yeast in French oak

• Maturation – 9–10 months in French oak barriques (31% new), with lees stirring

• Viticulture – Dry grown, hand-picked fruit from Southern Margaret River

Vintage Report

The 2024 vintage in Margaret River will be remembered as one of the earliest and most compact harvests on record. A dry, warm spring brought an early budburst and flowering, and the season unfolded with minimal disease pressure and very little rainfall. From mid-January, white varieties were picked in a remarkably short window, sometimes less than a fortnight, compared to the more typical four-week harvest.

These conditions set the stage for Chardonnay to truly excel. With steady warmth driving ripening, fruit reached full flavour and phenolic maturity earlier than usual, while moderate yields enhanced concentration and purity. The rapid pace of vintage demanded precision, as the fine line between perfect ripeness and overripeness meant timing in the vineyard and winery was critical.

For Chardonnay, the results are outstanding. The dry, warm ripening period produced fruit bursting with stone-fruit, pear and citrus aromatics, supported by lively natural acidity. Modest yields have delivered depth and intensity, while the cool nights preserved the hallmark freshness and finesse that define Margaret River’s world-class style.

Storage & Serving Tips

• Best Serving Temperature – 10–12°C

• Cellaring Potential – Now to 2035

• Decanting – Not essential, but opens beautifully with a little air

FAQ Wine Terms

What does “whole-bunch pressed” mean?
This technique uses entire grape bunches in the press, extracting gentle juice with minimal bitterness, which enhances finesse and texture.

What’s special about the Gin Gin clone?
It produces small, intensely flavoured berries that result in wines with high natural acidity and a trademark Margaret River energy.

Why does this Chardonnay taste ‘mineral’?
The coastal influence, combined with wild fermentation and minimal handling, brings out a flinty, saline character that gives the wine tension and vibrancy.

About Stella Bella Winery

Nestled in the heart of Western Australia’s acclaimed Margaret River wine region, Stella Bella Winery is a boutique producer known for its commitment to quality, character, and creativity in every bottle. Since its inception in 1997, Stella Bella has built a strong reputation for crafting wines that celebrate the purity of Margaret River fruit, with a focus on elegance, balance, and complexity. From the vineyards to the bottle, every step is guided by a deep respect for the land and a passion for exceptional winemaking.

The Margaret River region is renowned worldwide for producing premium wines, particularly Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc blends. Stella Bella sources its fruit from five key vineyard sites across the southern part of the region, each offering unique soil types and microclimates. These sites allow for a diverse and expressive range of wines that reflect the terroir and seasonal variation of each vintage. Sustainable vineyard practices and careful site selection ensure the grapes are of the highest quality, resulting in wines with purity, finesse, and regional identity.

At the heart of Stella Bella’s philosophy is a small, hands-on winemaking team that takes pride in every aspect of production. From hand-picking grapes to meticulous sorting and fermentation, the process is guided by attention to detail and a respect for traditional techniques blended with modern innovation. Minimal intervention allows the fruit to speak for itself, while thoughtful oak use adds subtle complexity without overpowering the natural expression of the grape.

Stella Bella is celebrated for its flagship Stella Bella range, which showcases classic Margaret River varietals made with elegance and precision. These wines are designed to be expressive, vibrant, and food-friendly. From the bright, aromatic Sauvignon Blanc Semillon to the structured and refined Cabernet Sauvignon, each wine in this range is a benchmark of quality. The Suckfizzle and Luminosa ranges represent the pinnacle of Stella Bella’s winemaking, offering limited-release, small-batch wines from exceptional vineyard parcels. These wines are crafted with long-term cellaring in mind and consistently receive high acclaim from critics and wine lovers alike.

The Stella Bella cellar door, located just minutes from the town of Margaret River, offers visitors an intimate and relaxed tasting experience. Surrounded by gum trees and native flora, the cellar door is a reflection of the brand’s down-to-earth charm and focus on hospitality. Whether you’re a seasoned wine enthusiast or a curious first-time taster, the knowledgeable staff provide a warm welcome and are passionate about sharing the story behind each wine.

Beyond the wine, Stella Bella has become known for its playful and artistic branding, often featuring whimsical illustrations and creative label designs. This approach reflects the winery’s personality—serious about quality but never taking itself too seriously. It’s a balance of excellence and accessibility that resonates with both casual drinkers and collectors alike.

Today, Stella Bella wines are enjoyed across Australia and exported to discerning markets around the world. The brand continues to innovate and evolve while staying true to its core values: crafting distinctive, high-quality wines that reflect the beauty and diversity of the Margaret River region.

Whether you’re enjoying a bottle at home or visiting the winery in person, Stella Bella invites you to explore the unique character of Margaret River through wines that are honest, vibrant, and full of personality. From everyday enjoyment to special occasions, there’s a Stella Bella wine to suit every palate and moment.